A body has been recovered from the River Thames following the disappearance of 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, who went missing after entering the water in North Woolwich on March 31.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a body was discovered just after 9am on Sunday (April 13) in Maritime Quay, Isle of Dogs, during a continuing search operation.
While formal identification has yet to be completed, officers say the family of Kaliyah Coa have been informed of the development and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Tragic Disappearance
Kaliyah had been playing near Barge House Causeway during a school inset day when she entered the water and vanished. Witnesses said the young girl had been with friends who raised the alarm after she failed to resurface.
Emergency services launched an extensive search and recovery operation, involving marine police units, search dogs, divers, and aerial support. The incident prompted an outpouring of concern and sympathy across the local community and beyond.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local resident Shaleen Rajaendram, 59, who lives on Barge House Road, described the moment she learned of the tragic incident.
“I saw two kids coming out to the top of the bridge,” she told PA. “They said, ‘one of our friends was playing in the water… she’s gone underneath, and we can’t find her.’”
She recalled how one of the children returned home while the other led her to the area where Kaliyah had entered the river. “The water is very high,” she said, adding that the causeway was covered in moss and extremely slippery.
Community in Mourning
The recovery of the body has sent shockwaves through the community, where residents had held out hope that Kaliyah might somehow be found safe. Flowers and handwritten messages have been left near the site of her disappearance, paying tribute to a young life lost too soon.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “The body is yet to be formally identified. However, the family of Kaliyah Coa have been informed of this development and are being supported by specialist officers. An update will follow once identification is complete.”
They have also asked that the family’s privacy be respected as they grieve.
If you’ve been affected by this story and need support, you can contact Child Bereavement UK at 0800 02 888 40 or visit childbereavementuk.org.
